Prior to the discovery of cocaine in the West Wing, the Secret Service encountered marijuana on two separate occasions within the White House in 2022. This information was disclosed during a classified briefing to members of Congress regarding the cocaine investigation, and subsequently confirmed to Fox News Digital.

While possession of under two ounces of marijuana isn't a criminal offense in Washington, D.C., it remains prohibited on federal property, which includes the White House. A Secret Service spokesperson confirmed the incidents, stating that "small amounts of marijuana" were found in July and September of last year. The spokesperson emphasized that no arrests were made because the quantities were below the threshold for federal or D.C. misdemeanor charges, given the city's decriminalization of possession. The marijuana was confiscated and disposed of.

Following the briefing, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) expressed concern that the area where the cocaine was found lacked video surveillance, particularly given the prior marijuana discoveries. She questioned the security measures in place, especially considering the previous incidents. Boebert also raised questions about the missing key to the locker where the cocaine was found, highlighting the fact that over 500 people had access to the West Wing during the period in question, none of whom were considered suspects.

Boebert criticized the lack of logs and video surveillance for the lockers, noting that the Secret Service only conducted background checks for past drug use among the individuals present that weekend. She advocated for drug testing all staffers present during that period.

In contrast, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) defended the Secret Service, arguing that widespread drug testing would be an excessive and disproportionate response, infringing on civil liberties. He drew a parallel to the Capitol Complex, suggesting that similar discoveries wouldn't warrant mass drug testing.

The Secret Service closed its investigation into the cocaine discovery without identifying a suspect, citing an inability to do so. The revelation of prior marijuana discoveries adds another layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding security and protocols at the White House.